Ah, Santa Monica – the cool ocean breezes, a bustling Downtown
area with loads of shopping and dining, and a mild, temperate
climate that would render Hawaii a bit envious. Santa Monica,
nicknamed “SaMo” by locals, is a beachfront city within the West
portion of Los Angeles County. Perfectly situated on the Santa
Monica Bay, it is bordered by Pacific Palisades, Brentwood, West
LA, Mar Vista, and Venice. Many busy professionals who work in Los
Angeles prefer to call Santa Monica home, simply because of
beachfront location, friendly atmosphere, and laid-back
ambiance.

When searching Santa Monica Apartments for Rent, it is always
best to start online. You will find loads of information on current
availabilities and pricing that fits within your budget. Once
you’ve got a good idea of what locations you prefer, and what areas
have availabilities that meet your criteria and budget, schedule a
few walk-through tours and take it all in. Are you looking for an
apartment near the beach? Or does a loft near Santa Monica College
suit you better? Are you trying to find a luxury retreat, or an
affordable, but nice accommodation as a place to unwind and put
your clothes while you are out enjoying all that Santa Monica and
LA have to offer?

No matter why you’re looking to live in Santa
Monica, you will never be at a loss for things to do. Because of
its wonderful climate and booming Downtown, Santa Monica has become
one of California’s most famous resort towns. You may have seen the
Santa Monica Pier sign in any of Hollywood’s biggest hit movies,
and even the giant Ferris wheel positioned perfectly on the Santa
Monica Pier. Bergamot Station brings cutting-edge art right to you,
with its world-renowned gallery and local creators. Santa Monica
boasts three main shopping districts. The Third Street Promenade,
which is a fun-filled outdoor, pedestrian-friendly shopping
district that spans for three blocks – between Wilshire Blvd and
Broadway. Santa Monica Place is an indoor mall and is located at
the south end of the Promenade. Montana Ave also offers great
shopping that features luxury boutique stores, restaurants, and
small offices. Santa Monica is also home to the annual Santa
Monica Film Festival.

Silicon Beach – Growing and
Expanding

Santa Monica houses one of the largest
technology epicenters since Silicon Valley. This surge in tech and
internet-related companies has been dubbed “Silicon Beach”. Silicon
Beach is a 3-mile region in the LA area that is abundant in
internet technology-related start-up companies at all stages. The
area spans from Santa Monica to Venice. Many employees of these
startups and investment companies also call Santa Monica their
home.

Santa Monica is known as one of the “greenest”
cities in the world. In fact, the city is truly a sustainable city.
Most of the city’s public vehicles run on alternative fuel, and all
public buildings utilize renewable energy. Residents and community
members of Santa Monica have made the consistent effort of cleaning
up the Santa Monica bay a significant effort. Farmers
markets, community gardens and extensive curbside recycling have
all contributed to Santa Monica’s status as one of the most
sustainable cities around.

A Bike-Friendly Place to Live

Santa Monica also made significant efforts to
encourage bikes as a primary use for transportation. The city
received the Bicycle Friendly Community Award by the League of
American Bicyclists in 2009. The city has also created many
bike-only lanes on the streets, which make biking to work a reality
for many Santa Monica and Venice residents.

Live, Work and Play Locally

As new buildings, offices, shops, and
restaurants spring up in Santa Monica, the reality of living,
working and having fun in your own area has truly become a reality.
For residents of Downtown and Mid-City, walking or biking to work,
school, and your favorite bars or nightlife spot is very do-able.
You have everything that you need in one, nicely kept area that you
rarely have to leave. With top-notch grocery options such as Whole
Foods, Ralph’s, Vons, and the Santa Monica Farmers Market, you will
find healthy options right outside of your doorstep. With savory
dining such as Melisse’, Fritto Misto, the Misfit, JiRaffe, Tar
& Roses, and True Foods, you are certain not to go hungry.
Coffee buffs unit at Funnel Mill Rare Coffees and Teas, which
serves up delicious coffees and teas in a manner that you may have
never had them before!

If you are looking for Apartments for Rent in
Santa Monica, look no further. NMS offers affordable and luxury
options with locations that are exactly where you need to be. Take
a look at NMS 1539 which offers the most convenient location to the
Expo train station and Santa Monica Place. Take a look at NMS
1427, which offers a quiet 7th street location that you
are allowed to bring your favorite furry friend (cat or dog) into
as well!